Robert Griffin III of the Washington Redskins has won The Associated Press 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, beating out two other sensational first-year quarterbacks.

Griffin, whose thrill-a-minute combination of running and passing skills led Washington to its first NFC East title in 13 years, pulled away from Andrew Luck of the Colts and Russell Wilson of the Seahawks in a lopsided vote announced Saturday.

RG III earned 29 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. Luck was next with 11 and Wilson got 10.

All three led their teams to the playoffs.

Griffin, who severely injured his right knee in a wild-card loss to the Seahawks, set the NFL record for best passer rating by a rookie QB.

He accepted his award at the "2nd Annual NFL Honors" awards show on CBS saluting the NFL's best players, performances and plays from the 2012 season.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Linebacker Luke Kuechly, Carolina's tackling machine, has won the Associated Press 2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Kuechly, a first-round pick from Boston College, led the league with 164 tackles. He began the season on the outside but moved to middle linebacker five games into the season and the Panthers went from 24th in the league in overall defense to 10th.

He earned 28 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. That easily outdistanced Seattle LB Bobby Wagner with 11.

"I’m never under the assumption that you draft for need. You draft the best available football player on the board. ... Because, in the long run, they are the ones who will help you win the most games." - Scot McCloughan

This is the crowning achievement in his fairy tail rookie season. Never before have we seen the type of things that this QB has done. For someone who was concerned about the price paid, the reward has been worth much more. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that 2nd overall pick yielding such a great young QB. On top of that a leader by nature, one who does so by example, inspiring his team mates with his heart & courage under fire. He is our franchise saviour, hero, roll model & future. Now you can add that he is our very own NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!!! Congratulations Robert Griffin the 3rd!!!